Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Elham Choobineh ¹
• Seyed Shahrokh Mousavian ²
• mohammadhossein nikdarasl ¹

¹ Department of Persian Language and Literature - Faculty of Literature and Humanities - Yasuj University - Yasuj - Iran

² Yasuj - Yasuj University - Department of Persian Language and Literature

Abstract

As the most fundamental epic text in Persian language, Shahnameh presents a multi-layered picture of ugly concepts. Concepts that in addition to the physical dimension, are also manifested within the characters. This research, using a descriptive-analytical method, examines the reflection of ugliness in Shahnameh and uses Umberto Eco's perspective in his book "The History of Ugliness" and attempts to provide a deep understanding of aesthetic function of ugliness in Shahnameh. In his book "The History of Ugliness", Eco has examined the manifestations of ugliness in Western civilization from a historical and cultural perspective, showing that in Western history, ugliness has often been associated with the interior of the person. Also, Ferdowsi presented external and internal ugliness in Shahnameh within the framework of Iranian ethics, epic and worldview. This article attempts to show the commonalities between these two approaches to the concept of ugliness. The results showed that like the Western tradition, Ferdowsi considered deeper moral and social layers beyond appearance in his depiction of ugliness. Characters such as Zahhak and Demons are clear examples of facial ugliness and inner corruption. There are exceptions that make the reader reflect on the complex relationship between appearance and interior; for example, Sudabeh with her beautiful exterior, has an ugly interior, and Zal with his unnatural exterior, has a beautiful interior. Eco also exemplifies Helen's external beauty with an ugly interior. Iran's enemies are also seen as "others" in an identity and cultural demarcation, a manifestation of ugliness. In addition to external ugliness, the Shahnameh also features many internal uglinesses; uglinesses that are not visible on the person's appearance but have contaminated the person's interior and led to ugly behaviors; such as the ugliness resulting from the love of power in Goshtasb or the ugliness resulting from foolishness in Keykavus, etc.

Keywords

• Ugly History
• Aesthetic criticism
• Umberto Eco
• Shahnameh
• Ugly reflection

Main Subjects

• متون حماسی